The family of a three-year-old boy who died after becoming entangled in a cord hanging from a blind have called for a change in the law to prevent similar tragedies.
Harrison Joyce died on February 4 – just days before a 16-month-old girl died in Stafford in similar circumstances.
His family have now launched a campaign for the introduction of Harrison’s Law to ban the sale of dangerous cord blinds in the UK.
On a statement on their website, Harrison’s family wrote:
“Following the recent tragic loss of Harrison it will be an ongoing commitment to get these type of corded systems banned from manufacture in the world.
“These types of cords have been banned from production in the USA following 359 children’s deaths between 1985 and 1995. It is now overdue that the United Kingdom cease the manufacture of these and follow in the sensible footsteps of America and in addition make the population aware of that thousand of these are already fitted in UK homes.”
The family also paid tribute to their “very special and beautiful baby” on the website.
The statement added:
“Harrison Guy Joyce was born on November 12, 2006. He was a very special and beautiful baby that brought so much love and joy into our lives.
“Sadly Harrison was tragically taken from us. Our lives will never be the same. God bless always to our bundle of love and happiness. We love you always.”
HM Coroner Andrew Haigh has also advised parents to be aware of the dangers posed by blind cords after the deaths of Harrison and the child in Stafford.
